2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG® CLA 35
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review
- Generous list of standard features
- Luxury badging without the premium price
- Available high-horsepower AMG CLA 45 trim
- Less rear headroom than the related A-Class sedan
- Minor revisions to standard and optional feature availability
- Part of the second CLA generation introduced for 2020
Given the history and prestige of the Mercedes badge, you'd be surprised to learn you can buy a brand-new Benz for about the price of a loaded popular midsize family sedan. While you probably wouldn't choose the diminutive 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA as your primary family car, this entry-level Benz otherwise delivers many of the same qualities found on bigger and more expensive sedans.
If you think the CLA strongly resembles another car — the Mercedes A-Class, for example — you're not wrong. The two are strikingly similar, but with some key differences. The CLA, first introduced to the U.S. in 2014, was once a quick and responsive car with awful comfort and ride quality, opposite of what you'd expect from Mercedes. The A-Class arrived a few years later with a more conventional sedan look and set a new benchmark for small luxury sedans.
This current, second-generation CLA uses the A-Class underpinnings and represents a comprehensive improvement on the earlier model. Compared to the A-Class, the CLA is the rowdier sibling. The base trim CLA offers about 30 more horsepower than its A-Class counterpart, and the CLA range tops out at 382 hp, compared to A-Class' 302 horsepower. The CLA also offers more trunk space, making it slightly more practical for cargo, if not passengers.
Picking between the A-Class or CLA might be one decision you'll have to make. But there are other challengers that include the Audi A3, BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe and possibly even the Mazda 3, which is competitive in its loaded-up trim levels. But packed with features and personality, and backed by an impeccable pedigree, the CLA makes a fitting entry into Mercedes-Benz ownership.
Which CLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class models
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan is a small coupe-style sedan available in three trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The AMG versions are more powerful and sportier but otherwise the trims generally have the same standard and optional features. All-wheel drive (Mercedes calls it 4Matic) is optional for the CLA 250 and standard on the CLA 35 and 45. Feature highlights include:
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $47,850
- MPG & Fuel
- 22 City / 29 Hwy / 25 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: all wheel drive
- Transmission: 7-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 302 hp @ 5800 rpm
- Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 184.8 in. / Height: 55.3 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 78.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3505 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 11.6 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite CLA-Class safety features:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns of an impending front collision and applies the brakes if you don't react.
- Blind-Spot Assist
- Displays a warning triangle in the mirror if a car is in your blind spot and beeps if you activate a turn signal.
- Attention Assist
- Uses many sensors and other data to tell if you're getting fatigued and suggests a rest stop.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. the competition
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
2021 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
Like the CLA, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a nimble performer with a small footprint, impressive technology and sleek style. Both models distill the best parts of their higher-priced counterparts into a more attractive and affordable price point. The 2 Series holds the cargo advantage, offering 3.5 cubic feet more trunk space than the CLA, but the CLA's tech and infotainment leads the class. This one comes down to personal priorities, and it's hard to go wrong with either.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Audi A3
The A3 is sporty, refined and relatively inexpensive, and until the Mercedes A-Class came along (the more conventionally styled sedan counterpart to the GLA's swoopy coupe-ness), the A3 was our go-to small luxury sedan pick. The A3 shares many of the same characteristics with the GLA — sharp style, quick handling — but its infotainment feels dated and its cabin a bit dull. But that's about to change with an overhaul for the 2022 model, so if you're not in a rush, the Audi could be worth the wait.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Cadillac CT4
The CT4 really belongs in a closer comparison with the Mercedes A-Class, which features a sleek but more conventional sedan shape than the CLA. But if you're shopping the CLA, the Cadillac warrants a look. The standard engine offers more power, and the optional upgrade is also more powerful than the midtrim AMG CLA 35's powerplant. The Cadillac's substandard interior quality and cramped cabin space are disappointing, however.
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FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?
What's new in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class:
- Minor revisions to standard and optional feature availability
- Part of the second CLA generation introduced for 2020
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
The least-expensive 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $47,850.
Other versions include:
- AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $47,850